Laval daycare bus crash: third day of preliminary hearing
Posted March 27, 2024 12:32 pm.
Last Updated March 27, 2024 7:41 pm.
Wednesday marks the third day of a preliminary hearing for a Quebec man accused of killing two young children by allegedly driving a city bus into a Laval daycare last year.
Pierre Ny St-Amand is facing two counts of first-degree murder and seven other charges, including attempted murder and aggravated assault.
A transit bus crashed into the front of a daycare in Laval’s Sainte-Rose neighbourhood on Feb. 8, 2023, killing two young children, aged five and four, and injuring six others.
“Today, the preliminary inquiry in the file of Mr. St-Amand is pursuing. So, we will probably be able to finish the presentation of the evidence today,” said Quebec crown prosecutor Simon Blais. “After that, both parties will be able to present their arguments on whether or not the accused should stand trial on the charges that are laid against him.”
On Tuesday, the 52-year-old St-Amand entered the prisoner’s dock in the courtroom in Saint-Jérôme, handcuffed and wearing a grey sweatshirt. He sat expressionless with a clipboard in his hands – a request made on his behalf by his lawyers on Monday to take notes.
A publication ban on all evidence and the names of the young victims is in effect for the four-day hearing. 13 witnesses have been called to testify, including police officers as well as other witnesses of the tragedy, responding to questions from the Crown and the defence.
The preliminary hearing determines whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Quebec court Judge François Landry is presiding over the hearing, which concludes Thursday.
“The judge will have to do his work and decide if the accused is to be sent to trial on the accusation that are laid against him, which are first degree murder and attempted murder,” said Blais.
